Three Bean Salad is a classic salad that is perfect for outdoor gatherings and potluck dinners. So easy to put together, you won’t need to go to the deli to buy this easy to make salad.
This recipe is so easy to put together, you don’t even need to cook this recipe. Three bean salad has been around for a long time. It was a dish that everyone would make in a flash because chances have you had these beans already in your pantry. I love this salad because you don’t need to go to the store to make it. We won’t even discuss that often pre-made salads are packed full of ingredients you can’t pronounce. If you don’t have the exact beans listed in this recipe, you can use what you do have. I have used garbanzo beans in place of the wax beans a few times, and it is just as good.
This recipe is just three cans of beans, chopped white onions, and celery. You could add in chopped bell peppers, green onions, or even some fresh herbs to add some variety. This dish is best when made the day ahead. Who doesn’t love dishes where you can make them a day or two ahead of time, and they actually get better? Three bean salad is perfect for your next gathering.

Three bean salad can be made in a quick couple of minutes. Best of all this recipe tastes even better the second day.
- 1 15 ounce can wax beans drained
- 1 15 ounce can green beans drained
- 1 15 ounce can kidney beans drained
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
-
Make the dressing by combining the vegetable oil, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until well blended. Place wax beans, green beans, kidney beans, celery, and chopped onion in a medium-sized bowl. Pour dressing over beans. Stir to combine dressing and the beans. Chill overnight before serving.
I liked this recipe, everyone raved about it at our Memorial Day picnic.
I am so glad to hear you liked this recipe. This was my Mom’s recipe.